Editor's Favorites: Valerie Moloney

215 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661 (map)

Asking a city editor to choose a favorite restaurant is like asking someone to name the best kiss--or wink, wink, something else--they've ever had. For now, though, Powerhouse is my top pick. The contemporary American food tastes straight from the farm, emphasizing color, texture and flavor. The hushed dining room lacks a "scene," but I prefer delicious food and good company over dunce-dunce-dunce dance beats anyway.

2400 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202 (map)

I eat out a lot for work, which leaves my budget tight for trips to the grocery store. This Kroger chain is just as big as Jewel or Dominicks, but here's the catch: You have to bag your own groceries, which is how they can afford to keep prices so low. Still, I typically walk out with three week's worth of items for $200. In times like these, who can afford to shop at Fox & Obel? (Which doesn't have the nifty race car baskets that my daughters love anyway.)

3350 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

In my everyday wardrobe, I flock to prints: florals, lace, graphic art and statement pieces. More Anthropologie, less Ann Taylor. More H&M, less Gap. I cooed when I found this boutique on the outskirts of Roscoe Village. I'm obsessed with its girly cocktail dresses, Seychelle heels and structured jackets.

1261 N Paulina Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

I haven't been here for a haircut--only for special occasion styling. Since I've been the victim of barrel curl updos in the past, I really wanted something fresh and modern for my last big event. The result was a back-braid-meets-30s-sidesweep, what my stylist called, "deconstructed beauty." How very punk rock and artistic, just like the salon.

5671 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660 (map)

This spa in Andersonville may not be as luxurious as the ones downtown, but it's close to my house and Will, the massage therapist from heaven, made me cry out "Kelly Clarkson" after what could only be described as the best massage in my life. Tears streamed down my face--it was that good. So do your slouching back a favor and get the tension beat out of you.

660 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

I'm in love with the Dana. It's a hipster hotel without pretension. The rooms offer a glimpse into downtown condo living with their floor-to-ceiling windows that peep into adjacent buildings and the beautiful skyline that is our city. My favorite part: The peepshow shower tricked out with a rainfall dome and jet sprays. Bathing here is a massage by water.

400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

I've been on several of the city's boat tours, but Wendella's seems to be the most thorough. It's fitting that you can catch it at the base of the Wrigley Building, one of our architectural gems. I love taking my out-of-town friends to school them about what a proper skyline should be.